Cedar Falls reaches rugby state tournament

The Cedar Falls rugby squad defeated Mason 35-5 in the Eastern Division sub-state final to return to the state tournament on Friday. Cedar Falls narrowly missed the tournament a year ago with an overtime defeat against Cedar Rapids Washington in the final.

The program is in its seventh year of existence in high school rugby. High school teams play rugby sevens, which is a slim downed version of the sport. Sevens features seven players on a side and quick 14 minute games. Cedar Falls coach Brent Piper says that adds to the allure.

"It's exciting. It's 14 minutes of just non-stop scoring or just non-stop hard hitting, good running," says Piper, "That's what makes it exciting, it's not an 80 minute game."

Cedar Falls junior Dakota Southworth agrees. He joined the team as something to do between wrestling and football season.

"I'm just a physical kid, so why not try it," says Southworth, "It's kind of similar to football and the tackling's just like wrestling."

Cedar Falls will play on Friday in the state tournament where they'll be joined by division rival Cedar Rapids Washington. Washington advanced to state by winning the regular season title in the division.

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